What happened to Yellowstone National Park when wolves disappeared?(1 point)
When wolves disappeared from Yellowstone National Park, there were several effects on the ecosystem.
1. Increased grazing: Without wolves to control the population of herbivores like elk, their numbers increased significantly. This led to overgrazing of vegetation, particularly in riparian areas, where stream banks were heavily impacted due to increased browsing and trampling.
2. Altered plant communities: The overgrazing by elk resulted in a shift in plant communities, as certain plant species preferred by elk thrived while others diminished. For example, willow and aspen trees were heavily browsed by elk, leading to a decline in their populations.
3. Soil erosion: The decline of vegetation due to overgrazing resulted in increased soil erosion, particularly near water sources. This, in turn, affected the health of aquatic ecosystems and reduced water quality.
4. Decline in beaver population: With the decline in willow trees, which serve as a crucial food source for beavers, their population suffered. This had cascading effects on other species that depend on beaver dams and ponds.
5. Impact on other predators: Without wolves as the top predator, other smaller predators like coyotes faced less competition for resources. This led to an increase in their population, which affected smaller prey species.
Overall, the disappearance of wolves from Yellowstone National Park had significant ecological consequences, affecting vegetation, soil erosion, water quality, and the populations of other species within the ecosystem.